Israel toughens draft laws

Tel Aviv: The Israeli cabinet has approved changes to the law to increase conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, putting an end to a decades-long exemption.

''This is an historic day,'' said Finance Minister Yair Lapid. He said correcting the 65-year-old ''injustice'' would benefit both the ultra-Orthodox and Israeli society at large. Parliament must still approve the changes.

The measure would also extend service of women from 24 to 28 months. Ultra-Orthodox women remain exempt from service.